The Land of High Passes, Ladakh. It is a place where the landscape changes dramatically; it is truly astonishing to see the mountains, snow, cold desert, alpine meadows and lakes at a short distance from each other. Tourism in Ladakh is an absolute delight for nature lovers as well as adventurers. Adorned with the lofty barren mountains, Ladakh is home to some of the highest motorable passes like Khardung La, Marsimik La, Chang La and alpine lakes like Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. Ladakh is majorly popular amongst the adventurers who feel welcomed by the number of adrenaline rushing activities offered here. The Ladakh is amongst the top trekking destinations in India with amazing and unmatched treks like the popular Frozen River Trek / Chadar Trek, also has opportunities for mountaineering, motor biking, mountain biking, white water rafting and many more. Adding to its exceptional beauty are the ancient Buddhist monasteries that are mostly nestled in the mountains and are thousands of years old.
Arrival at Srinagar Airport and transfer to the hotel. Srinagar is famous for its beautiful Dal Lake, Kashmiri cuisine, scenic beauty, and houseboats. It is undoubtedly a fascinating city one should experience at least once in a lifetime. Afternoon proceed for visit to Mughal - Shalimar Garden, Nishant Bagh and Chesma Shahi. (Subject to Time Permit). Evening enjoy the 01 Hour Shikara Ride in Dal Lake. Overnight stay in Srinagar hotel.
Today morning after breakfast check out from hotel and drive for Kargil. En-route explore the Sonmarg. Located at an altitude of 2,740 m, Sonmarg is an ideal stopover for nature lovers who want to enjoy camping in a hill station. Known as the Meadow of Gold, Sonmarg is the gateway to Ladakh and is known for its verdant and picturesque valleys and snow-clad peaks. Visit to Thajiwas Glacier - located 3 km from Sonmarg and is known for its mystic views and its risky trek. The destination is Jammu and Kashmir's treasure with its magnificent frozen lake, mountains covered in a thicket of snow, its fir and pine trees, and alpine meadows and Zero Point - Good place to enjoy in snow & can use other activities snow bike, ski , slides etc. Later continue drive for Kargil. Enroute we will visit the 2nd Coldest Inhabited Place in the World “Dras”. Arrival at Kargil - The city is famous for the Kargil War between India and Pakistan, which was fought between May and July, in the year 1999. The war was fought in the District of Kashmir, along the now-famous Line of Control or LOC, in India. Overnight stay at Kargil hotel.
An early morning departure begins with a visit to the giant Buddha sculpture on Rock Mountain before arriving at the Lamayuru monastery, which looks like something from a fairy-tale! Safari through the famous ‘moonland territory’ (so-called because of its crater like landscape which some people say resembles the environment of the moon) and drive through the ‘pretty as a postcard’ Basgo village before stopping for some magic photos at the intersection of the Zangskar and Indus rivers at Sangham. Proceed to the mysterious Magnetic Hill which allows you to experience reverse gravity in action have an optional stop at the Sikh temple ‘Pathar Sahib’. Finish the day with a visit to the ‘Hall of Fame’ war museum where you can learn about Ladakhi history and see the war related artefacts. Arrive in Leh in the early evening & overnight stay in Leh.
After breakfast, enjoy Leh city tour Shanti Stupa, Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, Leh Palace and Leh Main Market. Spituk Monastery, also known as Spituk Gompa is a Buddhist monastery in Spituk village. spituk Gompa is known for its giant Kali statue. The Spituk Monastery was built in the 11th century. Stay overnight at Leh.
Early morning proceed to Nubra Valley via the World Highest Motorable road (5602 Mts) Khardungla pass. Arrive Nubra and proceed for a visit to the White Sand Dunes at Hunder. You can enjoy the camel ride (at your own). Later if time permits visit Hunder and Deskit monasteries and check in at Deluxe Camp/Hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight Dinner & Stay.
KHARDUNGLA PASS: The road journey to Nubra valley leads through Khardung La pass (The highest Motorable road in the world) 18,390 ft. around 39 Kms. Away from Leh. There are two checkpoints on the both sides of the pass. Khardong is the first village of Nubra valley at higher altitude than Deskit and other villages.
DESKIT GOMPA: Deskit Gompa was founded by Lama Sherab Zangpo of Stod in about 1420 AD during the reign of King Dragspa. About 100 monks are residing in the Gompa, which is a branch of Thikse Monastery. The monastic festival called Gustor takes place on 20th and 21st days of the 12th month of Tibetan calendar. Deskit is the main village of headquarter of Nubra valley, which has a small market consisting of a row of shops and about 500 years old Gompa on the hilltop. Spectacular view of the valley can be seen form the monastery.
HUNDAR VILLAGE: Hundar is a beautiful village to stay with lot of trees and you will really enjoy your stay at Hundar. It has a small monastery and ruined fort above the village. The walk or Camel Safari (Double Hump bacterian camels) from Hundar to Deskit, through sand dunes is wonderful (at your own).
MAITREYA BUDDHA: The 108 feet tall statue of Maitreya Buddha is located just below the Diskit monastery, at an altitude of 10,308 feet, 15 kilometers northwest off the Khalsar-Panakil route, right at the edge of the desert in the Nubra Valley.
After breakfast, commence drive to Turtuk village. Turtuk is a village of in the Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir It is located in the Nubra valley, 80km from the Hunder, on the banks of the Shyok River. Turtuk was under Pakistan's control until 1971, after which India gained control of this strategic area. Geographically, Turtuk lies in the Baltistan Region and is one among four such villages in India, the other three being Tyakshi, Chalunkha and Thang. It is predominantly a Muslim village, and residents speak languages including Balti, Ladakhi and Urdu. Turtuk is the last outpost in India after which the Pakistan-controlled Gilgit-Baltistan begins. Turtuk is one of the gateways to the Siachen Glacier. After having explored the Turtuk Village & return back to Hunder village Nubra. Overnight at hotel.
Definitely a highlight of your tour, today involves an adventurous drive with a constantly scenic trip to the magnificent Pangong Lake. A must see destination for your time in Ladakh, Pangong Lake has been made famous by the 'Three Idiots' movie and more than half of the lake marks the separation border of India and China. The appearance of the water is said to change color at every angle of the sun - which makes for some amazing photographs so don’t forget your camera (and spare batteries!) Overnight stay in Pangong.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel & commence drive to Tsomoriri Lake. Tsomoriri Lake is breeding grounds for numerous species of birds and other wildlife, chief among them are the bar headed goose, found in great numbers, crested grebe, the Brahmini duck (ruddy sheldrake) and the brown headed gull, Wild ass, Tibetan mastiff , and many more. The Lake is 8 Kms. Wide and 28 Kms long with colours and shades of nature overwhelming you . Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at Tsomoriri.
After an early breakfast checkout from hotel & commence drive to Leh En- route Vist Tsoker Lake, Puga hot spring, tangdang la pass. Vist Tsoker Lake Is a fluctuating Salt Lake known for its size and depth situated in the Rupshu Plateau and valley in the southern part of Ladakh in India. The Puga Hot Springs of Ladakh have the greatest potential for the development of geothermal energy in the Indian sub-continent. The area exhibits vigorous geothermal activity in the form of hot springs, mud pools, sulphur, and borax deposits. Tanglang La pass, elevation 5,328 metres, is a high altitude mountain pass in the Indian union territory of Ladakh. The Leh–Manali Highway leading south from Upshi to Tanglang La is paved, with the exception of a very short unpaved section just north of the pass. Upon arrival check into the hotel. After quick wash and change have a monastery tour. Shey Monastery – Shay Palace is situated approx. 15 km south upstream from Leh and was built 1650. It has the largest Changchup Chorten – Victory Stupa in Ladakh. The top of it is made of pure gold. Stupa is a dome shaped building erected as a Buddhist shrine and they are seen all over. Thiksey Monastery - One of the main attractions inside the Thiksey Monastery is the Maitreya Buddha. The statue is almost two stories tall and is a splendid piece of architecture. The Chang La pass is a high mountain pass in Ladakh, India. It is claimed to be the third highest motor-able road in the world. Chang La is approached from Leh via Kharu and Sakti village by an asphalt road. The climb is very steep and requires a careful drive. After having visit, return back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Today morning after an early breakfast, depart to the airport for onward destination.
Destinations
Manali, Sarchu, Leh, Nubra, Pangong, Tso moriri
Destinations
Leh, NUBRA VALLEY, Pangong, Tso moriri
Destinations
Srinagar, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam